FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Do you have questions about the upcoming soccer season? Questions about what equipment your child may need, what age division your child will be playing in, where the games will be played, etc.? If so, please check out the HUYS Frequently Asked Questions page.
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"BEING A BETTER SOCCER PARENT" (07/03/01)
contributed by RIC GRENELL, HUYS Director of Coaching
(downloadable/printable file (PDF Format) available here.)

There are many things you can do (without knowing much about the game) to help your child be both a better player and a happier one. Considered separately, they may seem minor; together, they can make a major difference in your child's experience of the game.

The most important question you can ask after the match is not "Who won?" It is "DID YOU HAVE FUN?" Winning should never be the yardstick by which a child measured their soccer experience - after all, good teams playing well do lose, poor teams playing poorly do win, and when you get right down to it, winning or losing is not the point of youth soccer anyway. A good youth soccer program fosters individual self-esteem, personal growth, and enjoyment.

If you don't have anything good to say about the game, don't say it.

Resist sounding negative.

Avoid criticizing your child's teammates.

On the way home ask, "What did you learn today?" "Can you show me?" Don't be afraid to kick the ball around with your child.

Challenge, Don't threaten. Issue a strong positive challenge; "I think you guys are ready to take some good shots today."

Help your child learn discipline by getting them to games and practices on time.

Help your child prepare their equipment bag for games and practices.

Take the time to attend their matches and be supportive.

Make sure you understand that soccer means different things to youngsters who are different ages.

Ask your child what the coach expects from him/her in the upcoming match.

Support the coach, even if that means disappointing your child. Don't automatically agree, " Yes, that coach is an idiot for taking you out in the final 10 minutes of the game. How does the coach expect to win if you're not playing?" You might use your child disappointment to introduce a discussion of how to handle life's frustration.

Encourage your child to communicate directly with the coach.

Watch soccer video's, or games on television with your child, or better yet take them to High School or College games.

Encourage your child to read about positive role models in soccer.

Never, ever, abuse a referee, or question a call. Better yet learn the rules of the game.

Praise other players, but avoid comparisons.

Maintain perspective. be honest with yourself about your child.

Teach your child never to view his/her opponent as "The Bad Guy" or faceless nonentity.
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WHY DOES HUYS PLAY "SMALL-SIDED" GAMES?(06/29/01)
contributed by RIC GRENELL, HUYS Director of Coaching

There have been many questions from parents and coaches regarding "small-sided" games and not having a "goalkeeper" in the U5-U8 age divisions. The simple answer is that LESS IS MORE! Here are the TOP TEN REASONS why your child will enjoy small-sided soccer:

1: More touches of the ball increases skill development.

2: More open space, fewer numbers, less bunching. Enhanced tactical awareness. The game is less complicated and easier to understand.

3: More FUN and personal enjoyment, due to small fields and simplified rules.

4: More playing time. Encourage maximum individual participation.

5: More individual involvement improves fitness.

6: More responsibility, every child has a greater opportunity to score, builds confidence.

7: More freedom of expression, there are no positions, children will find their own position. A child can be a forward one minute, a defender the next. Children will migrate to areas of the field where they feel comfortable. Coaches will find out slowly what their best position is.

8: More children will play. Five four-a-side fields can fit inside a full field. This allows for 40 children to play at the same time instead of 22.

9: More child-centered not adult controlled.

10: More experience in all phases of the game. Everyone has to do everything. The emphasis is on PLAYER DEVELOPMENT.
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HUYS Affiliated With SOCCER ASSOCIATION for YOUTH, USA (S.A.Y.) & US SOCCER (05/03/01)
Henderson United Youth Soccer League is affiliated with Soccer Association for Youth, U.S.A. (SAY). SAY has been providing children with an opportunity to play all-inclusive soccer since 1967. SAY is an affiliate member of the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
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WELCOME RIC GRENELL(05/02/01)
Ric Grenell has joined Henderson United Youth Soccer as Director of Coaching and Player Development. Please check out the HUYS Coach's Corner to read about Ric's experience and qualifications.
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THANK YOU FOR A GREAT SPRING SEASON(05/19/01)
Thank you to all of the players, coaches, volunteers, and parents who made the HUYS 2001 Spring Season such a success. With your continued support and dedication, we look forward to building on this success for a great 2001 Fall Season.
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If you have items of interest that you would like to see on the HUYS website, please send them to webmaster@hendersonsoccer.com.